There are some misconceptions about cats. Although cats are fluffy, four-legged bundles of joy, they are also known for their independent and sometimes aloof nature. They are also known to mask the obvious signs of distress and discomfort. Since cats are often considered less needy and demanding than dogs, it can be easy to forget that our cats may need extra TLC. That includes adding cat vitamins and supplements to their routine.

Pure Peak understands that pet owners today want their pet’s health to mirror their own. In addition to providing a healthy diet and exercise, you want to provide your furry pal with high-quality vitamins and supplements to enhance their quality of life and well-being. Yet, how do you know if your cat needs additional supplements and which ones are formulated especially for your cat’s specific needs and health concerns?

This comprehensive guide is a great place to start. Let us help you explore cat vitamins and supplements and what you need to know so your kitty can live its best life!

What Supplements and Vitamins Do Cats Need?

What are vitamins and supplements, and why do animals need them? Vitamins and supplements are substances you add to a cat’s diet in the form of liquids, powders, or pills. These substances can help improve your cat's health by adding crucial vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your cat may be missing from its diet. Supplements may also be added to a cat's diet to address health issues like mobility problems, digestive issues, immune system support, and skin and coat appearance. By adding certain compounds via vitamins and supplements, you are providing your cat with a complete source of nutrition and filling in the gaps of holes in their nutrition picture that their food alone may not address.

Cats need a mix of vitamins, protein, and nutrients to stay healthy. Many of the vitamins and nutrients cats need are taken in through their diet because their bodies cannot make these essential nutrients on their own. While we hope the high-quality food we purchase for our beloved forever friends contains all the essentials they need, sometimes that is not the case. Cats need an extra boost through supplemental vitamins, minerals, or supplements.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials established guidelines outlining all the vitamins cats need to grow and thrive. Commercially available cat foods that follow these guidelines should theoretically give your cat all the necessary vitamins, depending on your pet’s health and life stage. However, cats with poor diets or eating habits, health issues, or age-related conditions may need additional help in the nutrition department beyond what traditional cat food can deliver.

According to the AAFCO, cats need specific vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, including:

  • Taurine
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • B vitamins, including folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Copper
  • Iodine

Other nutritional substances that may help keep your cat healthy and happy, especially if it has specific health concerns, include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants.

Should I Give My Cats Vitamins Every Day?

Which vitamins and supplements does your cat need and how often should you administer these substances? The answer depends on your cat. Just like people, cats are unique. You may need to add a magnesium supplement to your daily routine while your wife needs a calcium supplement, and your child needs a multivitamin. There is no one-size-fits-all plan for your two-legged or four-legged family members.

It helps to have an honest discussion with your veterinarian about your cat’s overall health. If you have concerns about your cat’s health, quality of life, or diet, discuss these with your vet at your next wellness visit. Through blood work and other diagnostics, your veterinarian can look for potential deficiencies and suggest vitamins and supplements that address your cat’s specific health needs and issues. Remember, getting too much of specific vitamins can be as damaging as getting too little.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats specifically. It is critical to ensure a cat’s diet contains Taurine as a lack of this amino acid has been shown to cause serious health problems such as retinal detachment, dilated cardiomyopathy, and developmental abnormalities.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they are vitamins that only dissolve in fats and oils and get absorbed and transported similarly to fats. Just like people, consuming high volumes of fat-soluble vitamins can cause adverse effects. Cats in particular can be susceptible to vitamin A poisoning. Which is why it is best to follow veterinary recommendations before starting a vitamins or supplement regime.

Do Indoor Cats Need Extra Vitamins?

Indoor felines don’t necessarily need extra vitamins. Healthy cats should get balanced nutrition from the food you offer them without needing to add vitamins and supplements. However, animals who have issues eating, cannot properly absorb certain nutrients, may have health conditions, or are in the later stages of life may benefit from adding specific vitamins and supplements.

Multivitamins may be an excellent choice for animals that are not getting what they need from their food. Cats experiencing joint or mobility issues may benefit from glucosamine or chondroitin supplements. If you notice your cat has a dull coat, flaky skin, or other coat conditions, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can help. Probiotics and hairball control supplements may also aid in digestion for indoor cats. Finally, CBD, L-tryptophan, and B vitamins can ease stress and anxiety in cats.

Again, if you have concerns about your indoor cat’s health or well-being, talk to your vet and find out if adding vitamins and supplements can address deficiencies in its diet.

When Should I Start Giving My Cats Supplements?

Discuss adding vitamins or supplements to your cat’s diet with a trusted veterinarian. There is no “ideal” time to give your cat extra vitamins and nutrients. You should always give your furry friend vitamins and supplements when necessary to improve their quality of life. Adding unnecessary vitamins to your cat’s diet can be dangerous, even deadly.

A vet can evaluate whether your cat has vitamin deficiencies and tell you which vitamins you need to add. If you notice specific health concerns like mobility problems, poor skin and coat quality, or digestive issues, your vet can recommend a supplement that may help reduce inflammation, increase lubrication, and contribute to a healthier and happier cat, especially if they are older.

Pure Peak Can Help You Keep Your Cat Healthy

Never give your cat vitamins or supplements formulated for humans. Cats require unique dosing and formulations. Even dog supplements can be dangerous when administered to cats. If you need vitamins and supplements optimized for your special feline friend, trust Pure Peak to help you find the products you and your furry family need.